The Story of Miss Saigon

by Edward Samuel Behr, Mark Steyn

Discusses the origins of the musical, other dramatic treatments of the Vietnam War, the London production, and the controversy over the New York version

Genres: Nonfiction, Theatre

192 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 1991

About the author

Edward Samuel Behr was a journalist; he worked primarily as a foreign & war correspondent. He began his career in the early 1950s with the Reuters news agency, then worked for Time-Life, serving as bureau chief in several cities around the world for Time Magazine. He then took a position with Newsweek in 1965 as Asia bureau chief, based in Hong Kong. Later in his career, Mr. Behr also made a number of documentaries for the BBC. He wrote several books during his life on various subjects, including a memoir which was published in 1978.

Reviews

[Robin · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book provides some insight into how the musical was written and who comprised the artistic team of its first production. Unfortunately, the book is often gossipy in tone and more than a few racist perceptions, like claiming that there was no way the director would be able to find Asian actors who could dance well, etc. I love the musical, but some of the creative team behind it makes me uncomfortable.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed learning a little more about one of my favorite musicals, but the vaguely racist/xenophobic undertones in the writing of this book left a bad taste in my mouth.

[Morteza]

hi

pease let me read this book.

Thanks